Marketing playing card set

ABSTRACT

A set of playing cards is provided with images of different products and their components on one side of the cards arranged in a novel way. In one embodiment, a plurality of cards of a first rank includes an image of an assembled product of the company. A plurality of cards of other ranks within the same suit includes components of that assembled product. For example, the ace of spades may include a first assembled product. Other cards in the spades suit may include images of components of the product displayed on the ace. Similarly, the ace of hearts may include an image of a second product of a company and other cards of the hearts suit may include components of the product shown on the ace. Cards of the same rank include images of components having similar or analogous functions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to playing cards. More particularly, the present invention relates to a set of playing cards which include images of products and components thereof on one side to serve in various uses, such as, for example, marketing products or as a training tool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditional playing cards have been in existence for hundreds of years. In one type of deck of playing cards, the cards are divided into four suits, namely, clubs, diamonds, spades and hearts. Each suit contains an ace, king, queen, jack, and cards numbered ten through two. The cards are typically ranked from highest to lowest, in the order of ace, king, queen, jack and 10 through 2.

These cards are used in various games including poker, blackjack, gin rummy, hearts and bridge. The rank and suit of each card are depicted on one side of each card. The reverse side of each card contains a standard image, such that players opposite one another cannot determine which cards the other player is holding.

On the side of the card which contains the indicia of suit and rank, traditionally twelve of the cards contain images of either a king, queen or jack, called face cards. The cards numbered 10 through 2 usually contain the indicia of suit on the center portion of that card in a number equal to the card's rank.

In place of the indicia of suit and/or the images of royalty on the center portion of the cards, other images have been used on sets of playing cards over the years. For example, companies sometimes put a company logo on cards and distribute them as means of advertisement. Other cards may have objects or people of interest depicted on them.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the present invention includes a combination of a deck of playing cards with images of different products and their components arranged in a novel way. In one embodiment, a plurality of cards of a first rank includes an image of an assembled product of the company. A plurality of cards of other ranks within the same suit includes components of that assembled product. For example, the ace of spades may include a first assembled product. Other cards in the spades suit may include images of components of the product displayed on the ace. Similarly, the ace of hearts may include an image of a second product of a company and other cards of the hearts suit may include components of the product shown on the ace. It should be understood that it is not necessary for the assembled product to be on a card of any particular rank. The assembled product could be on the card of highest rank of a suit, the lowest rank of a suit, or any other card. Preferably, but not necessarily, the card of a particular suit having the highest or lowest rank in the deck displays a fully assembled product and other cards of that suit display components of the fully assembled product. It should be understood that while the suit indicia on the cards could be the standard suits of spades, clubs, hearts and diamonds, other indicia of suit are possible and would work equally as well.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the components on cards of the same rank, but different suit, contain images of similar or analogous components. By similar or analogous components, it is meant that the components perform similar functions in their respective fully assembled products. For example, if the assembled product is a telecommunications switch displayed on the ace of spades, then the king of spades may include an image of the housing for the switch shown on the ace of spades. If the ace of hearts includes an image of a different telephone switch, the king of hearts would include an image of the housing for that switch shown on the ace of hearts. Thus, it is preferable to have components having similar or analogous functions on cards of the same rank, to provide a logical arrangement of the cards.

In summary, the cards have two dimensions of relationship among them. Cards of the same suit display images relating to a single product. Cards of the same rank include related or analogous components of different products. It should be understood that because a company may only have a small number of products and those products may have a small number of major components, a standard deck of playing cards may have more cards than necessary to promote the company's products in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. In that case, only two of the suits and three of the ranks may need to be used to display the company's products and components.

With this preferable arrangement, a player could examine two cards of the same rank but different suits and see parts having analogous functions, but for use in different products, namely, products shown on the card of the same suit which contain the assembled product. Similarly, the player using the cards could examine all of the cards having the same suit with the images thereon and know that those cards all contain the components of the assembled product shown on a card of that same suit. It will be understood that the images of products and components are not limited to photographs, but could include drawings, schematics, or written descriptions of those products and components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is front side of a card of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a back side of the card of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a back side of another card of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a back side of another card of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a back side of another card of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a back side of another card of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a back side of another card of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a back side of a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a back side of another card of a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a back side of another card of a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a back side of another card of a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a back side of another card of a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a back side of another card of a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a back side of another card of a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a back side of another card of a second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 is a back side view of another card of a second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-16 illustrate the present invention. In FIG. 1, a card 10 is shown with an image 12 on the surface 14 thereof. Preferably, each card of the present invention includes an identical image 12 on one side, as is traditional with playing cards. The reverse side 20 of the card 10 of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2. A suit indicia 22 and rank indicia 24 are provided on the card 10. Preferably an assembled product image 30 is displayed on the face 26 of the card 10. Although the preferred embodiment includes an assembled product image, it will be understood that the image is not necessarily a photographic image. The card 10 could contain a drawing, sketch, written description, schematic or other representation of a product.

FIG. 3 shows a second card 48 with the suit indicia 22 and different rank indicia 34. A component image 40 is shown on the face 46 of the card 48 of FIG. 3. Because the suit indicia of FIGS. 2 and 3 are the same, component 40 is a component which is used in the assembled product 30. Again, it will be understood that the image is not necessarily a photographic image. The word image is meant to include any representation of a product. The cards could contain a drawing, sketch, written description, schematic or other representation of a component of the product.

FIG. 4 shows another card 58 with the suit indicia 22 and rank indicia 54 on surface 56. Image 50 is a component of product 30 shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 shows a card 68 with suit indicia 62 and rank indicia 24. Card 68 has a surface 66 with an assembled product image 60 thereon.

FIG. 6 shows a card 78 having suit indicia 62 and rank indicia 34 on the face 76. An image of a component 70 of the product 60 (FIG. 5) is shown on the face 76.

FIG. 7 shows a card 88 having suit indicia 62 and a rank indicia 54 on the face 86. An image of a component 80 is shown on the face 86. The component 80 is part of the product 60 shown in FIG. 5.

Thus, it can be understood that on cards sharing the same suit, the components on those cards are used with the product shown on one of those cards of that suit. For cards having that same rank, those cards show components which are similar or analogous in function to one another.

The cards, therefore, include two dimensions of relationship. The first dimension is represented by same suit in which cards display images of the components used in a product shown on one of the cards of that suit. The second dimension of relationship is on cards having the same rank. In these cards, each component shown on a card of the same rank has an analogous function as the other components shown on cards of the same rank. Thus, a player examining cards of a single rank, for example, will understand that components shown on those cards have the same or similar function as one another. A player examining cards of the same suit will understand, for example, the components shown on those cards are all part of the same product of the company. Thus, the cards can be used as an effective training tool. Cards can be used to assemble the elements of a single product or similar elements of diverse products of a company's offerings.

In one example embodiment, the cards can be used to display, for example, equipment sold by a company. FIGS. 8-16 display this example embodiment. FIGS. 8-10 illustrate three cards 100, 102 and 104 respectively. FIG. 8 shows the card 100 with the rank indicia 124, in this case the ace, and the suit indicia 162, in this case hearts. Displayed on the face 126 of the card 100 is an assembled product 130. FIG. 9 shows the card 102 with the rank indicia 124, again the ace and a suit indicia 172, in this case diamonds. Displayed on the face 136 of the card 102 is a second assembled product 140. FIG. 10 shows the card 104 with the rank indicia 124 and a suit indicia 122, in this case spades. Displayed on the face 146 of the card 104 is a third assembled product 150. Thus, all three cards 100, 102 and 104, which have the same rank indicia 124, include an image of an assembled product.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate three additional cards 106, 108 and 110, respectively. FIG. 11 shows the card 106 with rank indicia 134, in this case the king and the suit indicia 162, in this case the hearts. Displayed on the face 156 of the card 106 is a housing 160 for the assembled product 130 shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 12 shows card 108 with the rank indicia 134, again the king and a suit indicia 172, diamonds. Displayed on the face 166 of the card 108 is a second housing 170 for the assembled product 140 shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 13 shows card 110 with the rank indicia 134 and a suit indicia 122, in this case spades. Displayed on the face 176 of the card 110 is a housing 180 for the assembled product 150 shown in FIG. 10. Thus, all three cards 106, 108 and 110 which have the same rank indicia 134 include an image of a similar part, namely the housing for the assembled product shown on the higher ranked card of the same suit.

FIGS. 14-16 illustrate three additional cards 112, 114 and 116, respectively. FIG. 14 shows the card 112 with rank indicia 154, in this case the Queen and the suit indicia 162, in this case the hearts. Displayed on the face 186 of the card 112 is a circuit board 190 for the assembled product 130 shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 15 shows the card 114 with the rank indicia 154, again the queen and a suit indicia 172, diamonds. Displayed on the face 196 of the card 114 is a second circuit board 200 for the assembled product 140 shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 16 shows the card 116 with the rank indicia 154 and suit indicia 122, in this case spades. Displayed on the face 206 of the card 116 is circuit board 210 for the assembled product 150 shown in FIG. 10. Thus, all three cards 112, 114 and 116 which have the same rank indicia 154 include an image of a similar part, namely a circuit board for the assembled product shown on a higher ranked card of the same suit.

As depicted in FIGS. 8-16, cards of the same rank show similar or analogous parts. Cards of the same suit show parts associated with an assembled product shown on one card of that suit. A user of the cards can look at various components of a particular product by selecting cards of the same suit. The user can compare similar parts of different products by selecting cards of the same rank. The user can thus acquire detailed knowledge of the products displayed on the cards.

While the invention has been described by reference to various specific embodiments, it should be understood that numerous changes may be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but will have full scope defined by the language of the following claims. 

1. A set of playing cards comprising: at least three groups of cards, each group of cards having a common suit selected from the group of four suits; each card of each group having a different rank value selected from a rank group; at least three cards of a first rank of the rank group including an image of an assembled product thereon; at least three cards of a second rank of the rank group including a component of the assembled product displayed on the at least three cards of the first rank; at least three cards of a third rank of the rank group including a component of the assembled product displayed on the at least three cards of the first rank.
 2. The set of playing cards of claim 1 in which a plurality of cards of the second rank include components performing a similar function.
 3. The set of playing cards of claim 2 in which a plurality of cards of the third rank include components performing a similar function.
 4. The set of playing cards of claim 3 in which each card having a first common suit includes an image selected from the group of a first assembled product and a component of the first assembled product.
 5. The set of playing cards of claim 4 in which each card having a second common suit includes an image selected from the group of a second assembled product and a component of the second assembled product.
 6. A set of playing cards comprising: a first group of cards having a first common suit indicia, each card of said first group of cards having a different rank indicia, extending from a high rank to a low rank; a second group of cards having a second common suit indicia, each card of said second group of cards having a different rank indicia, extending from a high rank to a low rank; a third group of cards having a third common suit indicia, each card of said third group of cards having a different rank indicia, extending from a high rank to a low rank; each card of the highest rank of the first, second and third groups of cards including an image of a different assembled product; the card of the second highest rank of the first group of cards including the image of a component of the assembled product on the card of the highest rank of the first group; the card of the second highest rank of the second group of cards including the image of a component of the assembled product on the card of the highest rank of the second group; the card of the second highest rank of the third group of cards including the image of a component of the assembled product on the card of the highest rank of the third group; the card of the third highest rank of the first group of cards including the image of a component of the assembled product on the card of the highest rank of the first group; the card of the third highest rank of the second group of cards including the image of a component of the assembled product on the card of the highest rank of the second group; and the card of the third highest rank of the third group of cards including the image of a component of the assembled product on the card of the highest rank of the third group.
 7. The set of playing cards of claim 6 in which a plurality of cards of the second highest rank include components performing a similar function.
 8. The set of playing cards of claim 7 in which a plurality of cards of the third highest rank include components performing a similar function.
 9. A set of playing cards comprising: a first group of cards having a first common suit indicia, each card of said first group of cards having a different rank indicia, extending from a high rank to a low rank; a second group of cards having a second common suit indicia, each card of said second group of cards having a different rank indicia, extending from a high rank to a low rank; a third group of cards having a third common suit indicia, each card of said third group of cards having a different rank indicia, extending from a high rank to a low rank; each card of the lowest rank of the first, second and third groups of cards including an image of a different assembled product; the card of the second lowest rank of the first group of cards including the image of a component of the assembled product on the card of the lowest rank of the first group; the card of the second lowest rank of the second group of cards including the image of a component of the assembled product on the card of the lowest rank of the second group; the card of the second lowest rank of the third group of cards including the image of a component of the assembled product on the card of the lowest rank of the third group; the card of the third lowest rank of the first group of cards including the image of a component of the assembled product on the card of the lowest rank of the first group; the card of the third lowest rank of the second group of cards including the image of a component of the assembled product on the card of the lowest rank of the second group; and the card of the third lowest rank of the third group of cards including the image of a component of the assembled product on the card of the lowest rank of the third group.
 10. The set of playing cards of claim 9 in which a plurality of cards of the second lowest rank include components performing a similar function.
 11. The set of playing cards of claim 10 in which a plurality of cards of the third lowest rank include components performing a similar function. 